Gemotions

Dust motes danced in the late afternoon light as Mark walked into the arcade. The familiar sounds of beeping and flashing lights instantly sparked a thrill in him. He hadn't felt this spirited in ages. He was on a mission: to see Sarah. They’d spent countless hours here as kids, mastering every game, plotting epic adventures. He hoped she felt as thrilled at the thought as he did.

He found her by the air hockey table, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, her movements quick and focused. "Sarah!" he called, a grin splitting his face. She turned, her eyes narrowed in confusion. "Do I know you?" she asked, her tone polite but distant. The air in his lungs seemed to solidify. He felt the blood drain from his face.

For a moment, all the energy drained out of him. He felt heavy, weighted down. Then, a new sensation ignited within him. It was a clarity, a detachment. He took a deep breath, and it felt like the world was suddenly sharper, brighter. He looked at her and laughed, a genuine, easy sound. “No, I don’t think so,” he replied. “I was just wondering if you were any good at this game?”